-John Muir

Photographing Fall weddings in Iceland are hands down my favorite.  September often ushers in brisker temperatures and Northern Lights.  While the land stays green until mid October as the bushes and ground cover transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow.  As if it was possible, the landscapes somehow become more alive.  Fall is an incredible time to hold your Iceland wedding day or have Iceland wedding photos taken!

Kristi and Luke reached out to us over 19 months before their desired Iceland wedding date seeking a unique destination wedding experience for them and their 40+ Iceland wedding guests.  Their fab wedding was also featured on one of my favorite blogs: Jet Fete, go them out for some more photos!  In the meantime I hope you’re excited to tag along with us today and experience their Iceland wedding day!

With a smile, Ann Peters + Team (Iceland Wedding Planner and Photographer)

After careful consideration, Kristi and Luke decided on the ION Adventure Hotel as their Iceland wedding host hotel.

How pretty are their Iceland wedding timeline cards?

…and THESE Iceland wedding welcome bags?!

When Kristi and Luke originally reached out to us, they felt a connection to having their Iceland wedding ceremony at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.  A Note to You, the Reader: Since I began my business here in 2012, the amount of tourism has exponentially increased (more than doubled every year) and Seljalandsfoss no longer exudes privacy or intimacy for a wedding ceremony. That said, after reviewing some other secret waterfalls we presented, Kristi + Luke fell in love with this intricate gem to start their Iceland wedding day!

Ugh! These TWO! And their little looks at each other throughout their Iceland wedding day kept me swooning!

Still wanting their guests to experience the incredible beauty of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, we had a quick stop for a glass of champagne to toast the newlyweds on their Iceland wedding day!

Iceland Wedding Planner does not typically go to the iconic natural wonder landmarks (we rather keep to our secret/private locations), but at a client’s request we happily include.  Because where else in the world do you have the chance to experience dynamic beaches like this?!  Reynisfjara, you never disappoint!

These textures and these tones… Incredible for Iceland wedding photos!

Kristi, Luke, and their wedding guests were game for a fun little hike into a secret little canyon waterfall!  …they encountered some of the locals on the trail

Taking your guests from being part of just your “wedding day” to crafting a unique adventure, that they will always remember as an EXPERIENCE is a very powerful dynamic of having a wedding in Iceland!

Pssssst!! Did you know there are countless waterfalls you can walk behind in Iceland?

Sod covered houses and kisses… Their first date as newlyweds! Love it!

Lava Fields + Love…. Swoon!

Connecting the outside to the inside of your Iceland wedding reception really adds to the experience.

When we started talking Iceland wedding reception decor design, Kristi wanted to have a warm inviting element added.  Our creation was this bubble wall that sat directly behind the bride and groom!  How fun!

Oh la la and when the bubbles were lit they were GORGEOUS!

Mmmmm…. Iceland wedding FOOD! Yum yum yum!

Kristi and Luke were looking for a unique alternative to having a traditional “guestbook” signing to display at their Iceland wedding reception.  This was SUCH a fun option!  They took one of our images we’ve shot, enlarged it and had their guests inscribe a memory!

© 2017, Iceland Wedding Planner /  Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

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In February the Icelandic landscape is often covered with winter snow, and the temperatures hover around freezing.  At times it may feel colder due to the high winds.  The bright side to this time of year though is the Northern Lights can be abound on clear nights.  The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is one of the best locations in Iceland to watch an Aurora Borealis show because of low light pollution and the primo view in the Northern Lights Bar.  As you may remember from our previous Iceland wedding location post here on the ION Hotel, the bar has floor to ceiling windows that allow their guests to be immersed into the landscape of Iceland very easily on cold winter nights.

Several months ago, we started to plan an idyllic Iceland elopement for a couple that requested the ION be their wedding host hotel… Yippee!  Our Singapore couple, Farid and Vanessa, chose Iceland in search of unique sights and the Northern Lights for their destination wedding adventure.  Living where the average temperature year round is 86°F (30°C), they very bravely embraced the challenging Iceland winter conditions and outdoor adventures with a smile.  Iceland Wedding Planner, created a fabulous wedding week itinerary for them which included items like a private visit to the Blue Lagoon, dog sledding, glacier hiking, waterfall hunting, and a full wedding day adventure from sunrise to sunset.

To kick off Vanessa and Farid’s wedding adventures the evening before the big day; we photographed them at dusk around the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel.  Having their engagement session in Iceland created an earthy rustic, experience.  The moss and snow covered lava fields, geothermal steam, winding roads and Mount Hengill all served as fantastic backdrops for us.  Oh my, was it mystifyingly romantic!  Without further ado, please delight in Vanessa and Farid’s engagement session in Iceland!  Then make sure you come back for their enticing Icelandic elopement posts!

• Iceland Lakeside Country Church Wedding
• Thingvellir National Park Wedding Photos
• ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Elopement

With a smile,  Chris & Ann Peters (Iceland Wedding Photographers & Planners)

2014, Iceland Wedding Planner / Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

The post Iceland Engagement Session | ION Hotel Wedding Photographer appeared first on Iceland Wedding Planner.

Finding the right wedding venue for your Iceland destination wedding is one of the most important early steps in wedding planning. Objectives may include finding a hotel in a secluded setting, accommodating hard to please guests, close to the attractions you want to see, and offers a personal romantic experience. Good news! The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel includes every one of those features and so much more. There are very few hotels in Iceland that have such a dramatic setting while having a Michelin Star Chef at the restaurant helm. The ION made our 2013 Favorite Iceland Wedding Hotels list because of the complete experience they offer.

When you plan a trip to the land of fire and ice, you are in search of a place that encompasses that tagline, right? The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel’s location takes full advantage of the hotel’s natural backdrop of Mount Hengill’s lava fields and the majestic Thingvellir Lake. The ION brings the dramatic Icelandic elements of fire and ice together and connects you to them. Hotel ION provides guests with an unforgettable 5 senses experience. Your eyes will delight in the distinctive design of the hotel, your ears will appreciate the stillness of the natural surroundings, your touch will be encircled by the warm waters of their magnificent geothermal spa pool, you will smell the pure Icelandic air, and your taste buds will be overwhelmed by the delectable meals the Silfra Restaurant creates!

I’ll be honest and say that we had set some pretty high hopes for our stay at the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel and they exceeded our expectations at every turn! We highly recommend this fantastic hotel to any couple out there in search of an idyllic Iceland wedding location no matter the season you plan to marry. The ION Hotel in Selfoss opened their doors in February 2013 and currently has 45 total rooms to offer Iceland wedding guests, groups, and Iceland honeymooners. They have deluxe and standard rooms to choose from, all offering a phenomenal view of either the extraordinary lava fields and Thingvellir Lake or the steaming Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station. The famed Silfra Restaurant, Lava Spa, and Northern Lights Bar are all located inside ION, so make sure you take the time to check them out! The starting price of a night’s stay at this superb hotel begins at 32,000 ISK (~$275 USD).

Iceland Wedding Planner’s ION Luxury Adventure Hotel Experience:

It was a rainy December afternoon as we made the drive from Frost and Fire in Hveragerdi to the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel in Selfoss. But it was still an inspiring drive beside the mountains. From the moment we left downtown Selfoss we saw signs leading us all the way to ION. The scenery you pass is filled with picturesque mountains, rustic farm animals, incredible lake views, and moss covered lava fields. At every turn we were anxiously anticipating our arrival. Then there it was… a very chic modernly designed hotel set within moss covered lava fields, cushioned between a volcano, geothermal grounds, and a lake! Our enthusiasm was off the charts!

ION was stunning and every bit as beautiful as all of the photos on their website suggest. Sadly, it was raining during our visit; otherwise we would have had more vibrant exterior shots to share. Walking into the front door of the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel, the staff members greet you with welcoming faces. We felt that everyone on the ION team throughout our stay were professional, accommodating, and knowledgeable. Once we checked in, we had a tour of the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel. The hotel design has immersed itself in natural tones. Even when we were inside, we felt completely connected with the Icelandic landscape. There was one extraordinary detail that surprised us… As you step down the staircase to the Lava Spa, there are full length windows that allow you to be submerged in the lava fields eye to eye but still sheltered from the elements.

As you continue down the stairs, to the right you will find the entrance to the Lava Spa. If you appreciate ultimate relaxation and spoiling, the Lava Spa offers numerous services for you to partake in. There is also a meditation room where guests are welcomed to unwind at any time. A brilliantly designed spa pool just outside of the Lava Spa allows you to experience the Icelandic elements without actually leaving. The hotel even offers champagne service poolside for anyone celebrating.

As you step down the staircase into the Northern Lights Bar, there are full length windows that allow you to be engrossed in the lava fields while still staying warm and cozy. This feature makes the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel a prime spot for Northern Lights viewing. Many I’m sure have spent the evening there with a cocktail in hand relaxing under the Northern Lights, the stars, or midnight sun. If you are planning an Iceland elopement then the ION’s Northern Lights Bar could also dual as your inside ceremony location if needed as well. Artistic elements throughout the bar are also ecologically sustainable. For example, salvaged driftwood was transformed into many of the wooded details throughout the hotel and even the lights over the bar are astonishingly fashioned from recycled cardboard.

The ION’s Silfra Restaurant is stylish, inviting, and offers plenty of seating for guests to dine. If holding a wedding at ION Luxury Adventure Hotel, there are two other sections outside of the main dining area that can accommodate larger groups for a more private experience. First there is a meeting room that can easily hold 50 people. Also, just outside of Silfra lies a spacious patio allowing you to sit amongst the lava field. For larger Iceland destination weddings at the ION, they have even put a pole tent over the patio to house more than 100 guests. Weather permitting you could also easily have your Iceland wedding reception cocktail hour out there.

Our dinner dining experience at ION’s Silfra Restaurant was first class from start to finish. The acclaimed Michelin Star Chef Gudmundur Sverrisson has created a remarkable menu full of traditional Icelandic treats. Chris and I had a bottle of champagne and each opted to each try 3 different courses that evening.

Chris chose the famed Arctic Char which was cured, served with pickled cucumber, alongside of a delightful dill sauce. This dish was served cold and we found every bite to be a refreshing mix. I personally could not resist ordering the Mushroom Soup and it was hands down one of the best I have had. It was creamy, full of flavor and had me vying for the recipe by the end of the bowl.

For the main course Chris chose the fresh caught Pan Fried Salmon. The plate was perfectly presented with parsnip puree, fried broccoli, in a white wine sauce, all of which brought an overall amazing taste and color to the dish. I chose the utmost wonderful Filet of Lamb, served with root vegetables, parsnip, pork cheek, and a red wine sauce.

You think all that is divine? …Oh wait! It gets better! The hand crafted dessert options at the ION’s Silfra Restaurant will make you smile from ear to ear! The Skyr Crème Brûlée was Chris’s choice, and he even boasted about it being the best he had ever had. I went right for chocolate bliss and ordered the Triple Chocolate Delight which was a luxurious combination of cake, mouse, and chocolate ice cream. The presentation of each course was tops all the way and the taste of all of the flavors coming together in each bite was monumental. The fine flavor combinations within each course are sure to please even the biggest foodie. We believe the ION Luxury Adventure Hotel’s Silfra Restaurant offers supreme quality, impeccable service, and would be a marvelous location to hold your Iceland wedding reception.

After trying some Icelandic specialty cocktails we grabbed our posh robes from the room and headed down to the geothermal spa pool. To our delight we had huge snowflakes falling as we sat and relished in that amazing moment! The combination of cold winter air, warm water, and snow falling, all created a magical memory.

Our room that evening was #219 which boasted a view in the direction of the lake Thingvellir. The entire room was outfitted with premium eco-friendly products from the bed to bath. You have all of the classic and luxurious 5 star room amenities on hand. Although we were not graced by the Northern Lights during our stay at ION, we knew we wouldn’t miss them since they have a night staff member checking for them throughout the night. That person phones guests if they make an appearance.

The next morning, we actually woke up to ice on our room window and about 3 inches of snow outside! ION Luxury Adventure Hotel offers an exceptional breakfast selection to its guests. It is beautifully presented and available in the Silfra Restaurant beginning at 7am. You can expect to have farm fresh eggs, warm bacon, cold meats, cheeses, breads, granola, Icelandic Skyr, fruits, and endless drink choices. Although, the sudden snow storm did spoil our original plan of taking the beautiful mountain pass road (Route #36) and going back into Reykjavík, instead we took the safer route back down through the Selfoss downtown. As a side note, there are several roads in Iceland that are closed during the winter months so be aware of them as you plan out your driving routes. Specifically Iceland route #431 and #435 are closed from Oct 1st-May 1st. So when driving to the ION Hotel during winter months use Route #36 (Mosfellsbaer) and turn right onto #360 towards Nesjavellir or take Route 1 to Route #35 and #36 in from Selfoss.

The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel can easily be your gateway to all of the daring activities Iceland has to offer. Organized adventures such as glacier hiking, ice climbing, dog sledding, horseback riding, Northern Lights chasing, 4×4 off roading, scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, caving, heli-skiing, and even inside volcano experiences. This luxury location can accommodate any type of Iceland destination wedding at any point during the year. ION Luxury Adventure Hotel welcomes groups of 160 or less. Please feel free to reach out to the ION team below to see if they can accommodate you during your visit to Iceland:

ION Luxury Adventure Hotel’s Contact Information:
Website: http://www.ioniceland.is/
Address: 801 Nesjavollum vid Thingvallavtn; Selfoss Iceland
Phone: +354-482-3415
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel GPS Coordinates: 64.1133 N, -21.242752 W
Email: reservations@ioniceland.is

Iceland is filled with many extraordinary hotel options, but most times your Iceland wedding budget plays the deciding role on where you end up. As Iceland wedding planners, part of our service to you is personalized venue appraisals and timeline planning to ensure you make the right choice for your wedding day in Iceland. Please feel free to contact us for more information on getting this process started for your big day! We would love to chat more with you about your Iceland dream wedding, possibly be your wedding planners and Iceland wedding photographers! We hope you have enjoyed our Iceland wedding hotel 2013 favorites list over the past several weeks. In case you missed our previous posts please feel free to go back and check them out: Hotel Laekur, Hali Country Hotel, Frost and Fire, and ION Luxury Adventure Hotel.

With a smile, Ann & Chris Peters (Experts in Iceland Weddings)

2002-2014, Photos by Miss Ann, All Rights Reserved.

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